Ned naturally pulled her toward the food table in the center of the garden. Sophie was clearly at a loss. These things that seemed so natural to others always made her feel uneasy—she couldn't quite explain why, just a nagging sense of discomfort.
"Ned!" Victoria, who had grown impatient waiting for her son to return, finally came looking for him with Lara in tow. But she hadn't expected to witness this scene.
Seeing their clasped hands, Lara froze in place.
Sophie spotted the two approaching and quickly pulled her hand away, but Victoria had already seen their interaction and was glaring at her with a stern look.
"What are you doing?" Victoria's voice suddenly rose, drawing the attention of several guests to the hostess's unusual behavior. "Who are you? Who invited you here? You're not welcome!" She glared at Sophie, her chest heaving with anger.
"Auntie, hello!" Sophie bowed deeply to her.
